We have met the challenge and come up to the grade once again – and that’s official! TheTS St Christopher has just come through the annual inspection of all it does with a flourish! After two months of every part of their admin, safety, training and committee procedures having been gone through with a fine-toothed comb, the process ended with an evening of ceremonial and teamworking displays being inspected by Commander Mark Buchan-Steele RN, a serving Officer of the Royal Navy in front of an audience of parents and VIP’s. The result was the highest mark the unit has ever received and the award of an ‘efficiency pennant’. This is the fifth consecutive year that this has happened. The last time was in the 1970’s!
Highlights of the year included receiving a set of rifles for parading with, increasing the amount of boating they are doing, developing the junior section of ten and eleven year olds and carrying out more advanced training. Five cadets also spent a week at sea sailing round the western isles.
The final part of the evening included four cadets being awarded with trophies by Provost Alan Henderson. The prizewinners were Best Junior Cadet - Connor Cann, Junior Cadet of the Year – Caitlin Gilchrist, Best Senior Cadet – Sarah Whyton and Senior Cadet of the Year - Hannah Calder.
Commander Buchan-Steele said, ‘TS St Christophercontinues to do very well, coping nicely with all the challenges of operating as a unit in the Scottish Highlands. It has a very dedicated staff, led by a very capable CO, and the cadets and juniors are getting a good cadet experience’.
Unit Chairperson,Tina Calderadded, ‘We’ve has a very enjoyable night and I’d like to thank you to the parents and supporters who came along. Thanks also go to the Doug Little, Linda Campbell and Provost Henderson who came along as VIP’s. I would also like to say well done to all the staff and cadets for a fantastic night and to the committee members for the catering!’
Derrick Warner,TS St Christopher’s Commanding Officer said, ‘We’ve achieved a great deal in the past year. At times it has been challenging for the cadets, staff and their families. But everyone has come through smiling. None of this would have happened without everyone working together as a team. The committee have been very supportive and it has been a tough job raising all the money we need in the current financial climate. Hopefully, the skills that we have given the cadets will help them in the world of work in the future’.
The TS St Christopher is, however, a victim of it’s own success! It’s now looking for someone to help them find a bigger building to use as a unit headquarters and community facility. All offers of help should be made toTina Calder who can be contacted by phoning 01397 704246.
